The first batch of six Kedah-class corvettes, referred to in Malaysia as New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPVs), were built through a partnership between BHIC and Blohm+Voss. The first two vessels were built in Germany between 2001 and 2003 and entered service in 2006. BHIC built the remaining four vessels in Malaysia, the last of which was delivered to the RMN in 2010.

The RMN has a stated requirement for an additional 12 Kedah-class corvettes, which are expected to be built through two additional batches. The acquisition forms part of the RMN’s ’15 to 5’ modernisation programme, through which the RMN plans to consolidate its fleet of 15 ship classes into five to improve cost efficiencies.

BHIC is set to propose a second batch of Kedah-class vessels to the Royal Malaysian Navy, with the first in class vessel – the OPV KD Terengganu – seen here. Source: US Navy/OS1 Claudia Franco